a complete collection

USAGE SUMMARY

"a complete collection" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adjective to describe something that contains all elements of a specific group. For example, "I have a complete collection of vintage porcelain teacups."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are highly collectible but difficult to chronicle in terms of a complete collection.

Los Angeles Times

The stories were issued as a complete collection, Mugby Junction, by the Hesperus Press in 2005.

The Guardian - Books

It contains a complete collection of portraits of presidents and first ladies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"There was a complete collection of the Dansk originals on 1stdibs," he said.

The New York Times

A complete collection of her work, The Last Lunar Baedeker, appeared in 1982.

Encyclopedia Britannica

de Berardinis, V. et al. A complete collection of single-gene deletion mutants of Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1.

Nature

When the military caught Saddam Hussein, they discovered he had a complete collection of Osmonds records, including Crazy Horses.

The Guardian

I was looking at my collection of Jewish players cards, lamenting that I'll probably never have a complete collection.

The New York Times - Sports

Crucially, Sam's Town sounds like a complete collection, with a far better strike rate than its predecessor.

The Guardian - Music

She got a complete collection of James's stories and found the quotation on the next to last page.

The New York Times - Arts

This autumn a complete collection of his stories, spanning nearly 50 years, will be published by Penguin.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, specify the items or aspects included in your "complete collection". For example, instead of "a complete collection", consider "a complete collection of vintage stamps".

Common error

Avoid using "a complete collection" if there's even a slight possibility of missing elements. Opt for phrases like "nearly complete collection" or "extensive collection" to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complete collection" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It refers to an assemblage where all possible or expected items are present.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complete collection" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe something that encompasses all its constituent parts. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains, ranging from news and media to academic and scientific writing. While it is generally safe to use in both formal and informal settings, it's crucial to ensure the collection is indeed complete to avoid misrepresentation. Consider alternatives like "an exhaustive compilation" or "the entire set" depending on the context and desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the entire set

Offers a more straightforward alternative, focusing on the inclusion of all items in a group.

an exhaustive compilation

Replaces "complete collection" with synonyms emphasizing thoroughness and assembly.

a comprehensive assemblage

Substitutes "complete" and "collection" with words that suggest a broad and inclusive grouping.

an all-inclusive assortment

Highlights the diverse and comprehensive nature of the collection.

a full compendium

Uses "full" instead of "complete" and "compendium" to imply a concise yet comprehensive summary.

a whole series

Replaces "collection" with "series" to highlight a sequence or set of related items.

the totality of

Emphasizes the inclusion of everything, offering a more formal tone.

the sum total

Focuses on the aggregate, implying that everything is included in the calculation.

a unified body

Implies a structured and organized collection, suitable when referring to data or information.

the aggregate of

Similar to "sum total" but can refer to a less quantifiable collection.

FAQs

How can I use "a complete collection" in a sentence?

You can use "a complete collection" to describe something that has all of its parts or members. For example, "The museum boasts "a complete collection" of the artist's early works".

What are some alternatives to saying "a complete collection"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "an exhaustive compilation", "a comprehensive assemblage", or "the entire set".

Is it redundant to say "a complete and total collection"?

Yes, using both "complete" and "total" is often redundant, as they have similar meanings. Sticking to just ""a complete collection"" is usually sufficient and more concise.

Can "a complete collection" refer to intangible things?

Yes, ""a complete collection"" can refer to intangible things like data, information, or even experiences, as long as they are gathered and presented as a set. For example, "The researcher presented "a complete collection" of data on the subject".